Powerful hunting breed that can be highly alert to quick movement and unfamiliar dogs; offer low-traffic check‑in options and separate from small pets if possible. Dogo Argentinos also have a documented predisposition to congenital hearing loss (about 1 in 4 may be deaf in one or both ears), and unilaterally or bilaterally deaf dogs may not respond to verbal cues and can be more easily startled by unexpected touch—announce approach visually and ask owners about BAER/hearing status to guide handling and waiting area choices. If the caller mentions severe agitation with heavy panting, sudden collapse, or inability to rouse, advise immediate emergency evaluation.
Front desk script: To help with a smooth visit, does your Dogo have any triggers we should avoid (cats/small pets, busy lobbies, fast-moving objects) or any hearing differences such as deafness in one or both ears? We can check you in from your car and take you straight to a quiet room and note any handling tools you prefer. If your dog becomes extremely agitated, is panting hard and not settling, or collapses, please tell me right away so we can treat it as an emergency.
Dogo Argentinos have a notable breed risk for pigment‑linked congenital deafness (often one ear; about 1 in 4 tested dogs affected), and their white coat/lightly pigmented skin makes them more sun‑sensitive with potential for actinic skin damage and sun‑related skin cancers on sparsely haired areas. As large, deep‑chested dogs they also share a higher risk for gastric dilatation‑volvulus (bloat)—watch for sudden non‑productive retching, a tight/swollen belly, restlessness, pale gums, weakness or collapse; this is an emergency and owners should go to the nearest ER immediately. The parent club recommends routine screening for hips (and often elbows) and cardiac evaluations as part of breed health programs, reflecting orthopedic and general large‑breed concerns. Staff should flag hearing concerns in puppies (e.g., inconsistent response to sound) for veterinary follow‑up and remind owners about sun exposure on non‑pigmented skin.
Front desk script: For Dogos, we keep an eye on hearing, joints, sun‑sensitive skin, and rare but serious bloat risk. If you ever see a distended belly with repeated retching but nothing coming up, that’s an emergency—go straight to the ER and call us on the way. For routine care, we can discuss recommended screenings (hips, hearing, and cardiac) and simple ways to protect lightly pigmented skin from sun. Let us know if your pup seems unresponsive to sounds so the doctor can advise on next steps.
Large, athletic, all‑white working dogs with short coats and high exercise needs; basic grooming is minimal. Health-wise, the breed has a higher rate of congenital deafness (about 1 in 4 affected in one or both ears), so ask breeders for BAER hearing‑test results and we can schedule hearing checks here. Parent‑club/OFA screening commonly includes hips and a cardiac exam, with elbows/thyroid/eyes often added. Because white skin can sunburn, ask our veterinarian about safe sun‑protection for outdoor time. As with many large, deep‑chested dogs, know bloat/GDV emergency signs—sudden non‑productive retching, a distended or painful belly, weakness/collapse—these require immediate emergency care; call us now.
Front desk script: Quick heads‑up for Dogos: this breed has a higher risk of congenital deafness—please request BAER hearing test results on puppies, and we can arrange a hearing check if needed. Our doctors can also advise on breed‑appropriate health screening (hips/heart) and safe sun exposure for white‑coated dogs. If you ever see non‑productive retching with a hard, swollen belly or collapse, come straight to our emergency service or call us immediately.
Front-desk teams most often hear from Dogo Argentino owners about: puppy hearing concerns or BAER test scheduling (this white-coated breed has higher congenital deafness risk); sun-exposure issues on lightly pigmented ear tips, nose, or belly (redness, crusting, or non-healing sores) and questions about prevention; new limping or stiffness after activity suggestive of large-breed hip/elbow problems; and general wellness/screening inquiries tied to breed club recommendations (hips, cardiac, BAER). Be alert for calls describing unproductive retching, sudden abdominal bloating/firmness, and restlessness—signs of possible bloat (GDV) in large, deep-chested dogs—advise immediate emergency care; escalate same day if severe pain, non–weight-bearing lameness, or rapidly worsening skin lesions are reported.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Dogo Argentino. If a puppy isn’t responding to sound, we can schedule a BAER hearing test—have you noticed any startle response to loud noises? For sun-exposed red/crusting ear tips, nose, or belly, or for new limping or stiffness, we recommend a same‑day exam. If your dog is retching without producing vomit or has a tight, swollen abdomen, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now and call us on the way.
Dogo Argentinos have a short, smooth, predominantly white coat that sheds year‑round but is easy to maintain with brief weekly brushing and occasional baths; their light skin and thin coat mean higher sun‑sensitivity, so plan outdoor visits and curbside waits for mornings/evenings or shade, and flag owners to ask the doctor about sun‑protection options; advise same‑day veterinary evaluation if owners report intense redness, blistering, raw/oozing areas, or widespread hives/facial swelling after sun exposure.
Front desk script: This breed’s short white coat is low‑maintenance, so routine brush‑outs and nail‑trims are usually sufficient. Because light‑colored, short‑coated dogs can sunburn, we schedule outdoor or curbside time in shade or earlier/later in the day when possible. If you’re seeing bright red skin, blisters, or raw/oozing areas, we’d like to see your dog today. I can note sun‑exposure concerns for the doctor to discuss prevention options with you.
Dogo Argentinos are large, powerful, deep‑chested dogs; during intake, first screen for bloat/GDV red flags (non‑productive retching, tight/distended abdomen, restlessness/collapse)—if present, direct the caller to emergency care immediately. Ask whether the dog has known hearing impairment or prior BAER testing, as congenital deafness is more common in white‑coated breeds; if hearing concerns are reported, route to an ear/hearing evaluation and flag the chart for gentle, no‑startle handling. For non-urgent reasons, route to standard wellness or problem exams and consider booking a longer slot and noting handling preferences (muzzle‑trained, reactive, needs quiet entry, two‑person assist). Collect any available breed health records (e.g., BAER, hip, cardiac) and confirm best contact method for follow‑up.
Front desk script: Because Dogo Argentinos are deep‑chested, I need to ask: is there any retching without producing vomit, a hard or swollen belly, pale gums, weakness, or collapse? If yes, this is an emergency—please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now; I can text the address. Otherwise, are we scheduling wellness, hearing/ear concerns, orthopedic/lameness, or another issue? I’ll note any handling preferences (e.g., hearing‑impaired, muzzle‑trained, quiet entry) and book the appropriate appointment length.
Lifecycle cues for Dogo Argentinos: Puppies need an initial exam and a series of wellness visits through the vaccine period; confirm a BAER hearing screen around 6–8 weeks because white-coated breeds like the Dogo have a higher congenital deafness risk, and plan growth/orthopedic check-ins. Adults benefit from at least annual wellness, parasite prevention and dental planning; if breeding or in heavy sport, ask about breed-recommended health clearances (hips, cardiac; elbows optional via parent club). Large/giant dogs like Dogos are typically seniors around 6–7+ years—shift to twice-yearly checkups with mobility/weight, skin/ear and hearing/vision monitoring, and labs as the veterinarian advises. Escalate immediately for possible bloat/GDV signs (unproductive retching, tight swollen abdomen, collapse, pale gums): direct the owner to an emergency hospital now.
Front desk script: For Dogo Argentino puppies, we’ll book your first visit now and set follow-ups through the vaccine series—do you have BAER hearing test results, or should we schedule that? For adults, we recommend an annual wellness visit; if you plan to breed or your dog is very active, we can arrange hip and cardiac screening per breed guidance. From about age 6–7, we’ll move to twice-yearly senior checkups with labs as the doctor recommends. If you report unproductive retching with a tight, swollen belly or collapse, please go to the nearest ER immediately and call us on the way.
Dogo Argentinos are powerful, large, often white-coated dogs; some have breed‑associated congenital deafness, so ask owners about hearing status or BAER results and use visual cues/slow approaches as needed. For lobby safety, request a short, secure leash and consider direct‑to‑room check‑ins to limit dog‑to‑dog contact. As a large, deep‑chested breed, owners should be primed on red‑flag bloat/GDV signs—repeated retching with nothing produced, a suddenly tight/bloated abdomen, restlessness/panting—and told this requires immediate emergency care. Encourage clients to bring prior hip, cardiac, and BAER screening records to streamline the visit.
Front desk script: “Thanks for scheduling your Dogo Argentino—please arrive with a short, secure leash and text us from the parking lot so we can escort you straight to a room.” “Has your dog shown any hearing loss or had a BAER hearing test? We’ll use visual cues and give extra space if helpful.” “If you ever see repeated retching without anything coming up, a tight swollen belly, or sudden agitation, this is an emergency—go to the nearest ER now and call us on the way.”
White-coated Dogo Argentinos have a high rate of congenital deafness—confirm BAER hearing test documentation at puppy check-ins and offer screening if none is on file. As large, deep-chested dogs, owners should be reminded of GDV (“bloat”) red flags: non-productive retching, sudden abdominal distension, drooling or anxious restlessness—these warrant immediate emergency care. For proactive scheduling, flag age-appropriate screening commonly recommended for this breed (hips ± elbows, and a cardiology exam per parent-club CHIC guidance). Also ask about recurrent redness/crusting on lightly pigmented skin and book a skin check if noted.
Front desk script: For Dogos, we double-check hearing early—do you have BAER test results for your pup? If not, our doctor may recommend a screening; I can add that to your next visit. This breed also benefits from discussing hip/elbow and cardiac screening at the right ages—shall I reserve time for that? If you ever see retching without vomit or a tight, swollen belly, please go to the nearest ER immediately and call us on the way.
Powerful, athletic guardian-hunter; typically affectionate with family but naturally protective and high‑drive, so be proactive about space and control. For intake/handling: schedule low‑traffic times, offer direct‑to‑room or curbside check‑in, and request a secure collar/harness with a short, sturdy leash; confirm muzzle training and any hearing impairment (white‑coat breeds are predisposed to congenital deafness). Use calm, confident handlers, avoid dog‑to‑dog encounters and over‑the‑head greetings, and minimize stimulation in halls. Escalate immediately if the owner reports recent bites or loss of control, or if the dog shows possible bloat signs (unproductive retching, swollen/firm abdomen, restlessness, collapse)—call the veterinarian at once and activate emergency protocol.
Front desk script: Welcome—so we can keep your Dogo comfortable and safe, would you like us to text you to come straight to a room or meet you at a side entrance? Has your dog shown reactivity to other dogs or strangers, is he muzzle‑trained, and does he have any hearing impairment we should note? Please keep a short, secure leash on; if you ever see non‑productive retching, a swollen belly, or collapse, tell us immediately—those are emergencies.
Dogo Argentinos are powerful, high-drive working dogs bred for big‑game hunting and guarding, so plan experienced handling, slow/leashed dog and small‑pet introductions, and avoid off‑leash dog parks. At intake and post-adoption, note response to sound and flag for a veterinary hearing evaluation (BAER) if concerns—congenital sensorineural deafness is relatively common in this breed (about one quarter affected unilaterally or bilaterally). Remind adopters to confirm local ordinances and homeowners/renters insurance for any breed‑specific restrictions before placement. In warm weather or intense exercise, monitor for heat stress (heavy panting, drooling, confusion, collapse); if these occur, treat as an emergency and direct the adopter to the nearest veterinary ER immediately.
Front desk script: This breed is strong and high‑energy; we recommend calm, controlled introductions at home and skipping dog parks. Some Dogos are born partially or fully deaf—if you notice poor response to sound, we can note it and your vet can perform a BAER hearing test. Please double‑check any local rules or insurance restrictions for this breed before finalizing. If you ever see heat‑stress signs like heavy panting with confusion or collapse, go to the closest animal ER immediately.
Powerful, energetic, and loyal working breed that can be independent and highly protective; dog-to-dog tolerance varies. For check-in, ask about comfort around unfamiliar dogs/people, known triggers, hearing status (some are congenitally deaf), and any muzzle/harness preferences. Use low‑stimulus flow: offer car/curbside check-in or direct-to-room seating; avoid crowded halls and schedule a quick room when possible. For handoff, use secure equipment and two-point control (owner leash plus clinic slip lead), confirm doors are closed, and brief clinical staff on hearing status, dog-dog tolerance, and triggers. Watch for escalating stress (stiff posture, hard stare, growling, lunging); if noted, stop movement, clear space, and page medical staff immediately.
Front desk script: Hi! To keep things calm, we’ll take you straight to a quiet room if available—does [Name] do well around other dogs or strangers, and are there any triggers we should avoid? Do you prefer we use your harness/muzzle, and is [Name] hearing-impaired or sensitive to being approached from behind? We’ll use a second clinic lead for safety during transitions. If [Name] shows stiff posture, growling, or lunging at any time, we’ll pause and bring a technician right away to keep everyone safe.
For Dogo Argentinos (large, deep‑chested), treat the following as immediate emergencies: classic bloat/GDV signs (repeated unproductive retching, sudden abdominal distension or abdominal pain, restlessness, drooling, pale gums, weakness/collapse); any breathing distress (rapid/labored breathing, blue/white gums); heat stress indicators (excessive panting, hypersalivation, confusion, collapse); active seizures; inability to urinate; or major bleeding/trauma. If any are reported, this is an emergency—direct the client to proceed to the nearest veterinary ER immediately and call ahead to alert the team.
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing, this is an emergency and your dog needs to be seen now. Please go to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately; do not wait. I can provide the address and call ahead to let them know you’re on the way. If anything worsens en route, contact the ER from a safe location.